HUMAN BODY ORGAN SYSTEMS – Week 1 (Anatomy & Physiology)

Vocabulary flashcards covering core anatomy and physiology concepts and the major organ systems outlined in Weeks 1 notes.

Anatomy

The scientific discipline that studies the structure and organization of the body, including size, shape, and arrangement of parts.

Physiology

The scientific discipline that studies the functions and processes of living systems.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment within the body.

Gross anatomy

The study of large, visible structures of the body using the naked eye or simple tools.

Regional anatomy

The study of anatomy by specific regions of the body.

Systemic anatomy

The study of anatomy by organ systems (e.g., cardiovascular, nervous).

Surface anatomy

Study of external features to visualize deeper structures.

Imaging techniques

Methods such as X-ray, ultrasound, and other modalities used to visualize internal structures.

Cytology

The study of cells, including their structure and function.

Histology

The study of tissues and their microscopic arrangement.

Epithelium

Tissue type that lines surfaces, cavities, and forms glands.

Connective tissue

Tissue that supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs.

Muscle tissue

Tissue responsible for producing movement and force.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that transmits electrical signals and coordinates body activities.

Chemical level

Atoms and molecules—the smallest units of matter in the body.

Cell level

The basic unit of life; cells perform essential functions.

Tissue level

Groups of similar cells and surrounding materials built to perform a common function.

Organ level

Two or more tissues functioning together to perform a specific task.

Organ system level

Group of organs that cooperate to accomplish broad functions for the body.

Organism level

An individual living being composed of organ systems.

Integumentary system

Protects the body, regulates temperature, and prevents water loss; includes skin, hair, nails, and glands.

Skeletal system

Protects and supports the body, enables movement, produces blood cells, and stores minerals; includes bones, cartilage, ligaments, joints.

Muscular system

Produces body movement and heat; muscles attach to bones via tendons.

Nervous system

Detects sensations, coordinates movement, and regulates body activities; includes brain, spinal cord, nerves, and receptors.

Endocrine system

Glands and hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, and other functions.

Cardiovascular system

Transports nutrients, gases, wastes, and hormones; maintains blood pressure and temperature; includes heart and vessels.

Lymphatic system

Removes foreign substances, fights infection, maintains tissue fluid balance, and absorbs fats from the digestive tract.

Respiratory system

Responsible for breathing and gas exchange; includes lungs and air passages.

Digestive system

Mechanical and chemical breakdown of food; absorption of nutrients; includes mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines.

Urinary system

Removes waste from the blood and regulates pH, water, and electrolyte balance; includes kidneys and urinary tract.

Female reproductive system

Produces oocytes, supports fetal development, and secretes hormones; includes ovaries, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands.

Male reproductive system

Produces sperm and hormones; includes testes and associated structures.

Pituitary gland

A major endocrine gland that secretes hormones regulating growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Homeostatic processes

Mechanisms that stabilize internal conditions such as temperature, pH, and fluid balance.